Closed, Carlsen Variation

The Carlsen Variation turns the noncommittal 2. Nc3 into an open game. After 2...d6 White plays 3. d4 and recaptures 3...cxd4 4. Qxd4. White accepts losing time with the queen in return for avoiding standard Open Sicilian theory. When 4...Nc6 attacks it, 5. Qd2 retreats the queen off the half-open c-file. Black most often answers 5...Nf6, with 5...g6 the main alternative. The engine considers the position balanced, though White scores slightly better in Lichess games.